eXroid® electrotherapy treatment

What is eXroid® electrotherapy treatment?

eXroid® is a gentle non-surgical procedure to treat internal haemorrhoids that does not involve any cutting, stitching or heat. Instead, a low, controlled electrical current is applied to the base of the haemorrhoid. This causes a chemical reaction in the blood vessels, reducing blood flow so the haemorrhoid gradually shrinks and withers away.

What is a haemorrhoid?

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels that form soft lumps just inside the back passage (anus). They can cause itching, irritation, bleeding, and pain. Haemorrhoids may stay inside the rectum (internal) or sometimes slip out of the back passage (anus) and rest outside the body. This is called prolapse.

Several factors cause haemorrhoids, such as constipation and straining on the toilet, pregnancy and childbirth. They also tend to run in families.

The four grades of haemorrhoids

Internal haemorrhoids are classified into four grades, based on their size, position and whether they have slipped out of the anus (prolapsed).

• Grade 1: Small haemorrhoids that stay inside the rectum.
• Grade 2: Haemorrhoids that push out when you have a bowel movement, but return inside on their own afterwards.
• Grade 3: Haemorrhoids that push out during a bowel movement and need to be manually pushed back inside.
• Grade 4: Haemorrhoids that are permanently outside the anus (prolapsed) and cannot be pushed back in.

eXroid® electrotherapy treatment is suitable for all grades of internal haemorrhoids.

Is eXroid® electrotherapy treatment right for me?

eXroid® is suitable for all grades of internal haemorrhoids, including those that have prolapsed (slipped outside the body).

However, the treatment may not be suitable for you if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator
• Have a bleeding disorder
• Are taking blood-thinning medications
• Have an infection in or around your back passage (anus)
• Suffer from inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis
• Have external haemorrhoids only

What happens during eXroid® electrotherapy treatment?

eXroid® electrotherapy treatment usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes. As the procedure does not involve cutting or penetrating tissue, anaesthesia is not usually required, but you may be offered a topical anaesthetic if you have an anal fissure.

1. You will be asked to lie on your side.
2. A protoscope (short tube with a light) is gently inserted into your back passage (rectum) so that the haemorrhoid can be seen.
3. A small probe is placed at the base of the haemorrhoid.
4. A controlled, low-level electrical current / The probe delivers a low-level electrical current for 4 to 10 minutes. The current is increased gradually. You might feel pressure or slight discomfort, but it should not be painful. Always let your doctor know how you are feeling.
5. If you have multiple haemorrhoids*, the process is repeated for each one during the same session.
6. The probe is then removed from your rectum, and you can go home shortly afterwards.

*Up to 3 haemorrhoids in one treatment.

Recovery from eXroid® electrotherapy treatment

One of the main benefits of eXroid® is the minimal downtime, with most people being able to return to normal activities the same day of the treatment or after a short rest.

Some people feel relief immediately. However, the full effects will develop over the next 4 weeks as the haemorrhoid continues to shrink. 

You will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to discuss whether you need further treatments. Some people may need between 1 and 3 treatments for each haemorrhoid.